THIRTY-NINTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE, 1922
Annual Conference Proceedings
1922
FIRST MEETING.
THURSDAY FORENOON, OCTOBER 12, 1922
The Thirty-ninth annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania convened in the M.B. in C. Church, Eleventh and Ontario Streets, Philadelphia, Pa., October 12, 1922.
The first meeting was opened at 8 a.m., according to announcement, by singing ”I Need Thee Every Hour.” This was followed by a season of prayer, during which the Lord touched our hearts. This was a time of thankfulness and praise to the Lord for His gracious help during this conference session, and for the blessing of God upon the officers and members of the Conference as well as upon our beloved lay members of the various congregations at home, who have stood by the Pastors and the Conference so nobly during the past years.
The Chairman, H.B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District, read the Thirteenth Chapter of First Corinthians, followed by a very needful and helpful message.
The names of the Presiding Elders, Pastors and Delegates of both Districts were then enrolled as follows:
MINISTERS.
Ordained – H.B. Musselman, W.G. Gehman, C.H. Brunner, E.N. Cassel, F.M. Hottel, J.G. Shireman, B. Bryan Musselman, R.L. Woodring, J.C. Roth, H.K. Kratz, J.F. Barrall, O.S. Hillegass, G.F. Yost, R. Bergstresser, E.E. Kublic, V.H. Reinhart, R.W. Dickert, J.B. Layne, A.G. Woodring, W.F. Heffner and N.H. Wolf.
DELEGATES.
H.L. Moyer, Bethlehem.
G.O. Billig, Allentown – Bethel.
John T. Kramer, Reading.
H.T. Benner, Philadelphia.
Earl King, Allentown – Salem.
Ellen M. Gehman, Emaus, Macungie and Zionsville.
H.L. Shelly, Coopersburg and Springtown.
H.S. Smith, Easton.
J.H. Bruch, Stroudsburg.
R.R. Fox, Royersford and Spring City.
G.K. Himmelreich, Fleetwood, Blandon and Terre Hill.
R.H. Bergey, Quakertown and Hatfield.
C.D. Bean, Graterford and Harleysville.
D.S. Schoffstall, Mount Carmel.
Paul H. Miller, Shamokin.
Charles E. Eroh, Lehighton and Weissport.
Charles F. Lilly, Nazareth.
O.B. Bartholomew, Northampton and Walnutport.
C.B. Brosius, Sunbury.
The Conference members thus number forty.
We are also remembering W.B. Musselman, of Cleveland, Ohio; E.T. Shick, of Allentown, Pa.; M.P. Zook and Mrs. M.P. Zook, of Chile; C.F. Snyder and Mrs. C.F. Snyder, of China, and H.W. Feldges and Mrs. H.W. Feldges, lately appointed to Ecuador, who are engaged in Home and Foreign Missionary work along various lines.
Also the following, although not members of our Conference, yet are supported by us, namely:
Western China – Wm. Christie, W.N. Ruhl and Miss Anna Haupberg.
Central China – R.H. Alexander, M.E. Ekval and D.P. Olson.
Chile – Miss Anna LeFevre and Mrs. Nettle Meier.
Africa – E.E. Crist, Mrs. E.E. Crist, E.R. Hess, M.E. Barter, W.D. Darling and B.L. Pierson.
India – S.P. Hamilton, Mrs. S.P. Hamilton, E.R. Garner, Mrs. E.R. Garner, Samuel Kerr, Mrs. Samuel Kerr, C.A. Gustafson and Miss Eunice Wells.
Annam – Wm. C. Cadman, Mrs. Wm. C. Cadman, R.M. Jackson and H.B. Jackson.
Palestine – E.O. Jago and Miss Mary A. Butterfield – 34 in all.
Also our three native Pastors in Chile: Dionisio Oyarzum, Manuel Gomez and Innocenia Gomez.
Special thanksgiving has also been offered up in this morning’s devotion for the noble company of believers whom the Lord has given us and special prayers were offered in their behalf.
Resolved, That the seats to the right and to the left of the Chair and the first two pews throughout the Church, and the basement for evening meetings, constitute the Conference Bar.
The Secretary appointed his assistants as follows: Assistant Secretary, B. Bryan Musselman; Recording Secretaries, A.C. Woodring and N.H. Wolf.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Timekeeper.
He appointed O.S. Hillegass as Timekeeper.
Resolved, That no member be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission by the Chair, except F.M. Hottel and H.T. Benner, the Pastor and Delegate of the Philadelphia Congregation.
COMMITTEES.
The following committees were then appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
Committee on Worship: H.T. Benner and F.M. Hottel.
Committee on Communication: J.B. Layne and B. Bryan Musselman.
Committee on Finance: J.F. Barrall, H.L. Moyer, G.O. Billig and Ellen M. Gehman.
Committee on Statistics (of Schedules): E.N. Cassel, H.R. Kratz, J.G. Shireman and R.W. Dickert.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records:
J.C. Roth, N.H. Wolf, V.H. Reinhart, Charles E. Eroh, J.B. Layne, C.B. Brosius, H.V. Smith, D.S. Schoffstall, E.E. Kublic, John T. Kramer, O.B. Bartholomew, Paul H. Miller and G.O. Billig.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
E.E. Kublic and R. Bergstresser.
Committee on Examination of Travelling Elders: R.H. Bergey, C.D. Bean and G. K. Himmelreich.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries:
G.F. Yost, R.W. Dickert and O.S. Hillegass.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: B. Bryan Musselman, E.N. Cassel and C.H. Brunner.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination:
C.H. Brunner, F.M. Hottel and W.G. Gehman.
Committee on Resolutions: W.C. Gehman, R.L. Woodring and E.E. Kublic.
Committee On Auditing: F.M. Hottel, H.L. Shelly, R.L. Moyer, R.L. Woodring, G. F. Yost, W.F. Heffner, H.H. Bergey, H.T. Benner, R.R. Fox, Earl King, J.H. Bruch, Charles F. Lilly and R. Bergstresser.
Committee to Audit Schedules: W.F. Heffner, W.G. Gehman and A.G. Woodring.
Resolved, That the Pastors be limited to ten minutes in submitting their oral reports.
The Pastors now began to submit their oral reports.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair not later than 3 o’clock.
Adjourned at 11:25 with prayer by W.F. Heffner and benediction by the Chairman.
SECOND MEETING.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 12, 1922.
The Chair opened the afternoon meeting at 3 p.m. with singing, “Blessed Assurance,” and prayer by Charles E. Eroh.
The roll was called, after which the minutes of the forenoon meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We have examined the Annual Conference Records of 1921 and found them all correct except a slight mistake which was corrected in the presence of the Secretary.
E.E. Kublic,
R. Bergstresser,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Worship:
The Brethren M.M. Myers and N.P. Cressman shall preach this evening, about twenty minutes each.
H.T. Benner,
F.M. Hottel,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Travelling Elders:
We beg leave to report that we have examined all the Travelling Elders through the various delegates and found them all satisfactory and devoted to the service of the Lord.
H.H. Bergey,
C.D. Bean,
G.K. Himmelreich,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries:
We have examined the Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries and found them all satisfactory and devoted to the Lord’s work.
G.F. Yost
R.W. Dickert,
O.S. Hillegass,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination, of Quarterly Conference Records:
We beg leave to report that we have examined all the Quarterly Conference Records. We found a few slight errors which were corrected in the presence of the Pastors. We also found that the Emaus Class recommends F.B. Hertzog to this Annual Conference for Annual Conference License.
J.C. Roth,
N.H. Wolf,
V.H. Reinhart,
Charles E. Eroh
J.B. Layne,
C.B. Brosius,
H.V. Smith,
D.S. Schoffstall,
E.E. Kublic,
John T. Kramer,
O.B. Bartholomew,
Paul H. Miller,
G.O. Billig,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Finance. (See Reports.)
The oral reports of the Pastors were concluded.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The Lord has again spared all the Pastors of our Annual Conference, who with much pleasure at this time gave to the Conference their intensely interesting oral reports of this past year’s work on their different charges, relating the many victories won, many souls saved, healed, baptized and united into church fellowship, great progress being reported among the
Lord’s people; loyalty and sacrifice among the pilgrims being the outstanding features, therefore,
Resolved, That we unitedly praise God for His glorious leadings during the past, and further,
Resolved, That we unitedly pray God to keep the Ministry well united and spirit-filled, as the duties of true pastors increase in these days of apostasy, that they may be preserved in Christ
for spiritual progress and the Coming of Christ to establish His Kingdom upon the earth.
W.G. Gehman,
R.L. Woodring,
E.E. Kublic,
Committee.
Report of H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District. (See Reports.)
Report of W.G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Mount Carmel District. (See Reports.)
Report of W.G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The Lord has again through His tenderest care and love spared for our Conference both of our beloved and God-given Presiding Elders, who gave very encouraging reports of
the work in the Conference, also the report of the President of the Gospel Herald Society, and,
Whereas, Their reports contained the highest praise of a most devoted laity, the co-operation of a united ministry, the continued warm-hearted support and prayers of God’s chosen, therefore,
Resolved, That we unitedly and unceasingly show our keenest appreciation for their sacrifice, labor of love and safe leadership in the face of on-coming danger, and further,
Resolved, That we as brethren in Ministry pledge our continued prayers for God’s choicest blessings upon our leaders to still further His Cause upon earth, the completing of His Bride
and His speedy return.
R.L. Woodring,
E.E. Kublic,
Committee.
Resolved, That we adjourn to meet this evening from 1:30 to 9:30 o’clock.
Adjourned with prayer by J.C. Roth and the benediction by C.H. Brunner.
THIRD MEETING.
THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 12, 1922.
The meeting was opened with prayer by John T. Kramer.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, W.G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society, has presented to this Conference the wish of the Gospel Herald Society Mission located at Scranton, Pa., to become a
part of this Conference, and,
Whereas, Their President recommends this work along spiritual and self-sacrificing lines, therefore,
Resolved, That we as a Conference consider their choice as final and that the Scranton work be referred to the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
R.L. Woodring,
E.E. Kublic,
Committee.
Resolved, That Charles W. Decker, of Scranton, elected delegate by the lately organized Class at Scranton, be recognized as a regular delegate to the Conference.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Camp Meeting Equipage. (See Reports.)
Report of the Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Annual Ministerial Convention. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That the item “Subscriptions and Literature Sold” on the Pastors’ Summary Schedule be not added in the total collections, but be placed on the Schedule after the “Total Offerings.”
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Executive Board. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing. (See Reports.)
Report of the Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Mount Carmel District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Annual Conference Treasurer. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Trustees of The Home. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions. (See Reports.)
Whereas, The Emaus, Macungie and Zionsville Quarterly Conference recommended F.B.Hertzog to this Conference for Annual Conference License, therefore,
Resolved, That we hear the nature of his call.
Brother F.B. Hertzog then gave the nature of his call and was referred to the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair to meet not later than 9:30 a.m. tomorrow.
Adjourned with prayer by H.B. Musselman.
FOURTH MEETING.
FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 13, 1922.
The meeting was opened at 9:30 o’clock with singing,”Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine,” and prayer by Brother F.B. Hertzog.
The Chair read a part of the Fifth Chapter of Ephesians, with a few appropriate remarks.
The roll was called, all being present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The reports of the following Committees were read and adopted:
Report of the Beneficiary Society. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Examiners. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 11:20 o’clock.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We have examined the candidate, F.B. Hertzog, and recommend that he be granted Annual Conference License.
B. Bryan Musselman,
E.N. Cassel,
C.H. Brunner,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Worship:
F.B. Hertzog, J.B. Layne and A.G. Woodring shall preach tonight, about twenty minutes each.
H.T. Benner,
F.M. Hottel,
Committee.
Resolved, That we proceed to the election of Presiding Elders.
Resolved, That the Secretary call the roll for conditional and unconditional Ministers. The following was the result:
Unconditional – H.B. Musselman, W.G. Gehman, C.H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman, F.M. Hottel, E.N. Cassel, J.C. Roth, R.W. Dickert, H.K. Kratz, G.F. Yost, R.L. Woodring, J.F. Barrall, J.G. Shireman, A.G. Woodring, W.F. Heffner, N.H. Wolf, E.E. Kublic, V.H. Reinhart, J.B. Layne, R. Bergstresser and O.S. Hillegass.
Conditional – None
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
The Chair appointed tellers as follows: G.F. Yost, R.L. Woodring and J.B. Layne.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
The following were elected Presiding Elders for the ensuing year:
H. B. Musselman and W.G. Gehman.
Resolved, That H.B. Musselman shall be Presiding Elder over the District comprising the greater part of the Church, and W.G. Gehman, Presiding Elder over the District comprising the balance of the Church and the Gospel Herald Society.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and a delegate from each station and circuit constitute the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at the call of the Chair, no later than 4 p.m., and that the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee sit at this time.
Adjourned with prayer by D. S. Schoffstall, and benediction by C.H. Brunner.
FIFTH MEETING.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 13, 1922.
The meeting was opened at 3:50 p.m., with prayer by J.C. Roth.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination:
We examined M.M. Myers, who has creditably passed the Reading Course and found him satisfactory, but not having had opportunity to approve himself to the Conference, we therefore
recommend that his ordination be postponed.
C.H. Brunner,
F.M. Hottel,
W.G. Gehman,
Committee.
The probationers F.B. Hertzog and P.T. Stengele, and also Charles W. Decker, delegate from Scranton, were admitted to the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That we proceed with the election of Officers, Boards and Committees.
The following were elected:
Vice-Presiding Elders: C.H. Brunner and B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That C.H. Brunner shall be First Vice-Presiding Elder and B. Bryan Musselman shall be Second Vice-Presiding Elder.
Resolved, That W.R. Musselman be recognized as Missionary/ Presiding Elder Ex-Officio.
Resolved, That the other officers be nominated and elected by ballot:
Chairman of the Next Annual Conference: H.B. Musselman.
Secretary of the Next Annual Conference: C.H. Brunner.
Treasurer of the Annual Conference: Allen M. Gehman.
Committee Over the Presiding Elders: H.K. Kratz, G.F. Yost and F.M. Hottel.
Executive Board: H.B. Musselman, W.G. Gehman, C.H. Brunner, E.N. Cassel and B. Bryan Musselman.
Board of Examiners: E.N. Cassel, B. Bryan Musselman and H.K. Kratz.
Board of Foreign Missions: H.B. Musselman, C.H. Brunner, W.G. Gehman, B. Bryan Musselman and F.M. Hottel.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Board of Trustees of The Home (For two years): R.L. Woodring, J.G. Shireman, F.M. Hottel, B. Bryan Musselman, A.A. Wismer and H.G. Brunner.
Resolved, That we excuse the Committee on Statistics on the Schedules from the evening service.
Adjourned at 5:20 p.m. with prayer by J.F. Barrall and benediction by G.F. Yost.
SIXTH MEETING.
SATURDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 14, 1922.
This meeting was opened with prayer by R.W. Dickert, after which the Chairman read a part of the Fifth Chapter of Second Corinthians.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Worship:
N.H. Wolf and R.L. Woodring shall preach this evening, for about thirty minutes each.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY.
Presiding Elder H.B. Musselman shall preach the Conference Sermon on Sunday morning at 9:30 o’clock, and Presiding Elder W.G. Gehman preach at 2 o’clock.
At 7 o’clock in the evening C.H. Brunner shall preach, followed by B. Bryan Musselman.
All the services shall be held in the Methodist – Episcopal Church, Seventh Street and Erie Avenue, and shall be in charge of the Presiding Elder, H.B. Musselman, Chairman of the Conference.
H.T. Benner,
F.M. Hottel,
Committee.
Resolved, That we proceed with the election of Officers.
Editorial Staff on the “Eastern Gospel Banner”:
Editor: W.G. Gehman.
Associate Editors: C.H. Brunner, E.N. Cassel, E.E. Kublic, H.K. Kratz, B. Bryan Musselman, J.C. Roth and R.L. Woodring.
Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society:
President, Allen M. Gehman; Secretary, G.O. Billig; Treasurer, C.H. Brunner.
The Chair now appointed the following Standing Committees:
Committee on Camp Meeting Equipage: F.M. Hottel, J.C. Roth, B. Bryan Musselman, G.F. Yost, R. W. Dickert and W.F. Heffner.
Board of Publication and Printing: C.H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman and A.G. Woodring.
Resolved, That we hold a Sunday School Convention in each Presiding Elder’s District.
Resolved, That the Presiding Elders, Pastors and Delegates of each District constitute a Committee to organize for these Sunday School Conventions.
The Chair appointed the following Chairmen to organize for the Sunday School Conventions:
Bethlehem District – B. Bryan Musselman.
Mt. Carmel District – J.G. Shireman.
Resolved, That we hold two Camp Meetings on the Bethlehem District and one on the Mt. Carmel District.
Resolved, That the Divisions of the Districts remain the same as last year.
The Divisions shall comprise the congregations as follows:
Bethlehem Division – Bethlehem, Reading, Fleetwood, Blandon, Terre-Hill, Royersford, Spring City, Quakertown, Nazareth, Walnutport and Northampton.
Allentown Division – Allentown (Bethel), Allentown (Salem), Philadelphia, Wissinoming, Emaus, Macungie, Zionsville, Coopersburg, Graterford and Harleysville.
Mt. Carmel District – Shamokin, Mt. Carmel, Sunbury, Lehighton, Easton, Stroudsburg and Scranton.
Resolved, That the two Camp Meetings of the Bethlehem District be held in Mizpah Grove, the Bethlehem Division from June 30 to July 8, and the Allentown Division from August 18 to 26.
The Camp Meeting of the Mt. Carmel District shall be held in Edgewood Grove, Shamokin, Pa., from July 21-29.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
After a short recess the Camp Meeting Divisions reported the election of their officers as follows:
Bethlehem Division – Chairman, C.H. Brunner; Secretary, H.G. Woodring; Treasurer, H.K. Kratz.
Allentown Division -Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, F.M. Hottel; Treasurer, E.N. Cassel.
Mt. Carmel Division – Chairman, J.G. Shireman; Secretary, J.B. Layne ; Treasurer, N.H. Wolf.
The various Boards and Committees reported the election of the following officers:
Executive Board: President, H.B. Musselman; Secretary, C.H. Brunner.
Board of Foreign Missions: President, H.B. Musselman; Secretary, C.H. Brunner.
Committee over the Presiding Elders: Chairman, F.M. Hottel; Secretary, H.K. Kratz.
Committee over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, J.C. Roth.
Board of Publication and Printing: President, C.H. Brunner; Secretary, H.G. Woodring.
Board of Trustees of the Home: President, H.B. Musselman; Secretary, R.L. Woodring; Assistant Secretary, J.G. Shireman.
Board of Examiners: President, E.N. Cassel; Secretary, B. Bryan Musselman.
Beneficiary Society: President, W.G. Gehman; Secretary, F.M. Hottel.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Mt. Carmel District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Auditing:
We, the undersigned auditors, beg leave to report that we have examined the following financial accounts:
Quarterly Conference Records, The Home, Camp Meeting Equipage Committee, Executive Board, Camp Meetings, Sunday School Conventions, Annual Conference Fund, Benevolent Society, Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Presiding Elders, Gospel Herald Society, Board of Publication and Printing, and the report of the Committee on Finance.
The books and accounts were found in a satisfactory condition, with the exception of several slight errors, which were corrected in the presence of those directly concerned.
We, therefore, certify that the foregoing reflects a true statement of the affairs of the Conference to the best of our knowledge and belief.
F.M. Hottel,
H.L. Shelly,
G.F. Yost,
W.F. Heffner,
R.L. Woodring,
Earl King,
H.T. Benner,
R.R. Fox,
H.L. Moyer,
H.H. Bergey,
R. Bergstresser,
J.H. Bruch,
Committee.
MINISTERIAL CONVENTIONS.
Resolved, That we hold a Ministerial Convention sometime during the middle of the year, for one day.
Resolved, That the next Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention convene in the M.B. in C. Church, Tenth and Oley Streets, Reading, Pa.
The Presiding Elders and one whom they shall appoint shall constitute a Committee to arrange a program and set the date.
The Presiding Elders appointed R.W. Dickert as the third man on this Committee and announced as the date April 12, 1923.
All ordained ministers and probationers having charge of a work shall be present. A hearty invitation shall be extended to the Ministers’ wives and families.
Resolved, That we have another Ministerial Convention on the day prior to the next Annual Conference and at the same place.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in the M.B. in C. Church, Main and Durham Streets, Bethlehem, Pa., at 8 a.m., October 11, 1923.
The following officers were then elected:
Annual Ministerial Convention:
Chairman, W.G. Gehman.
Secretary, H.K. Kratz.
Committee on Program: H.B. Musselman, W.G. Gehman and C. H. Brunner.
Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention:
Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman.
Secretary, J. G. Shireman.
Committee on Program (previously appointed): H.B. Musselman, W.G. Gehman and R.W. Dickert.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 2 p.m.
Adjourned with prayer by J.H. Bruch and benediction by G. F. Yost.
SEVENTH MEETING.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 14, 1922.
The meeting was opened at 2 o’clock by singing, “Hallelujah, this is My Song,” and prayer by E.E. Kublic.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on the Statistics of the Schedules. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Audit Schedules:
We have examined the different Pastors’ Schedules and the Summary Schedules and declare them to be correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.
W.F. Heffner,
W.G. Gehman,
A.G. Woodring,
Committee.
The Board of Examiners announced the division of studies for 1923. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That W.G. Gehman, the Presiding Elder of the Mt. Carmel District, hold all the Home Missionary meetings throughout the Conference, between New Year and the Camp Meetings, and take the subscriptions with the assistance of the respective Pastors.
Resolved, That W.G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society, shall have charge of the general sale of the “Rose of Sharon” Hymnal.
Whereas, We realize the value and importance of spreading good, wholesome, sound literature in these last days when false doctrines are being widely circulated through the pulpit, stage and printed page, and thereby the untaught in the truth are being ensnared by error and Satan’s deceptive seductions, therefore,
Resolved, That we urge all our Pastors to spread as much Gospel literature as possible and thereby help spread the truth, and further,
Resolved, That whenever Pastors sell literature for which they receive the retail price, the same shall be reported on the schedule accordingly. When they sell through their members on their charge, allowing them a certain commission, the Pastors shall report only the net proceeds, and further,
Resolved, That whatever literature is sold, the amount of the price of which has already entered into the accounts, such as the “Christian Life Missionary,” etc., the same shall not be reported by the Pastor on the Schedule, and further,
Resolved, That we recommend that no Pastor shall make it a practice to do any wholesale literature business by employing agents.
Resolved, That the Church property at Hereford be in charge of the Board of Trustees of Macungie, Pa., and that the Church property at Hatfield, Pa., be under the control of the
Board of Trustees of Quakertown, Pa.
Resolved, That all contributions received by the Laymen’s Benevolent Society shall be paid by checks or money-order, made payable to C.H. Brunner, Treasurer, Zionsville, Pa., and forwarded to the Secretary, G.O. Billig, 941 Liberty Street, Allentown, Pa.
Resolved, That we recommend each Pastor to furnish his respective Presiding Elder with a complete list of subscribers to the “Eastern Gospel Banner,” ”Gospel Herald” and ”Christian Life Missionary,” on his charge as soon after the Annual Conference as convenient and no later than December 1, 1922.
Resolved, That the price of the annual Year Book be fifty cents, and in case of a deficit this shall be provided for out of the Conference Fund.
Resolved, That we print 950 copies of our Year Book for 1922.
Resolved, That we ask the Board of Foreign Missions to print 1600 copies of the Annual Report of the Board of Foreign Missions.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chair to compile a report of the Conference and the Sunday Services for the “Eastern Gospel Banner.”
The Chair appointed the following Committee: R.L. Woodring, J.G. Shireman and J.C. Roth.
Resolved, That the Executive Board shall act as they deem advisable in the matter of the “Eastern Gospel Banner.”
Resolved, That we excuse John T. Kramer, H.H. Bergey, Earl King, D.S. Schoffstall, G.K. Himmelreich, O. B. Bartholomew and Charles Decker from the Session of Conference provided they sign the minutes.
Resolved, That the various Delegates address the Conference, limited to five minutes.
The Delegates now gave their addresses.
The addresses were concluded.
Resolved, That we have listened with rapt attention to the spicy and instructive addresses given by our noble band of delegates, in which they expressed their heart-felt spirit of unity in
the Conference and the various Classes, the straight-forwardness and accuracy of business transactions, and the frank and loving deliberations of Conference.
The following Report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
(a) Whereas, C.H. Brunner, Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board, who is in constant correspondence with our Foreign Missionaries on the various fields, has reported in detail about
the work of the Lord, and,
Whereas, The Lord spared the lives of all our Missionaries, giving them many souls, preserving their health and strength, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise God for His leadings in the past, and pray God to continue to bless our Missionaries so that they may be further used by God in gathering many more into the
fold.
(b) Whereas, C.H. Brunner, the Editor of our Annual Year Book and Secretary of the Annual Conference, has with his many duties secured many valuable facts of interest and arranged matter for the press throughout the entire year, therefore,
Resolved, That we highly appreciate his untiring labors, and further,
Resolved, That we donate him $35.00 out of the Annual Conference Fund as a slight token of appreciation for his services thus rendered.
©) Whereas, C.H. Brunner, who has been Editor of the “Eastern Gospel Banner” since its origin, has cheerfully devoted part of his time and talent without promise of any remuneration all these years, making this paper one of the cleanest of all church papers on spiritual, doctrinal and dispensational lines, therefore,
Resolved, That we pray God’s choicest blessings upon him as he retires from editing this valuable paper, and further pray that he may be spared and preserved for many more active years of usefulness in God’s service in various other lines.
(d) Whereas, The Union Gospel Printing Co., of Cleveland, Ohio, has published the “Eastern Gospel Banner” for many years for the benefit of the Pennsylvania Conference, also publishing the Christian Life Series of Sunday School Literature, which has won its way into many Sunday Schools throughout the States, Canada and Foreign Countries, and,
Whereas, They consider no sacrifice too great in making these Quarterlies, the nicest mechanically, spiritually, doctrinally and dispensationally of any Sunday School Literature we know of, which also are used throughout our Conference, and,
Whereas, There is always existing a very close relationship between our Conference and the Union Gospel Printing Company and the Gospel Worker Society, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our heartiest thanks to God for His leadings, and also pray God to preserve this Society in health, strength and true devotion, and that our fellowship in the Word and Work of the Lord may still increase more and more until the Lord’s return.
(e) Whereas, The Pastor, F.M. Hottel, and the members of the Philadelphia and Wissinoming Circuit have so abundantly provided for the entertainment of the Annual Conference members and friends of the work, all meals being served in the basement of the Church, therefore,
Resolved, That we recognize their devotedness to the Lord, His servants and His Work, and further,
Resolved, That we tender them a rising vote of thanks and unitedly pray God’s blessing upon them for future usefulness in God’s Cause.
W.G. Gehman;
R.L. Woodring,
E.E. Kublic,
Committee.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee of five, including himself, as a Reference Committee Relative to Compulsory Military Training. The Chair appointed the following:
W.G. Gehman, C.H. Brunner, E.N. Cassel, J.C. Roth and H.B. Musselman.
The above Committee reported the election of H.B. Musselman as Chairman arid C.H. Brunner as Secretary.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 4:45 with prayer by Paul H. Miller and the benediction by B. Bryan Musselman.
EIGHTH MEETING.
MONDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 16, 1922.
The meeting wars opened by singing,”Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus,” and prayer by J.G. Shireman, after which the Chairman read the Thirty-seventh Psalm.
The Roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Communication:
We have received no communication, therefore we have nothing to report.
J.B. Layne,
B. Bryan Musselman,
Committee.
Report of the Committee to Compile a Report of the Conference and Sunday Services for the “Eastern Gospel Banner.” (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The Pastor, Rev. A.J. Kimker, and the Official Board of the Erie Avenue Methodist-Episcopal Church of this city, have so generously offered their spacious and beautiful Church edifice for the Sunday Services of our Annual Conference, and,
Whereas, Pastor A.J. Kimker and his congregation dispensed with their own services, and worshipped with us, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our heart-felt appreciation to so noble a people of God and for their considerateness thus shown to this Conference and the Philadelphia and Wissinoming Congregations, and further,
Resolved, That we pray God to continue to bless Rev, A.J. Kimker, his people and work, to be preserved in Christ in these last days ready for the return of our Lord, and further,
Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be conveyed to Rev. A.J. Kimker by Pastor F.M. Hottel, properly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Annual Conference.
W.G. Gehman,
R.L. Woodring,
E.E. Kublic,
Committee.
Adjourned sine die at 10:15 a.m., with prayer by C.H. Brunner and benediction by the Chairman.
Signed,
H.B. Musselman, Presiding Elder, Chairman,
W.G. Gehman, Presiding Elder,
C. H. Brunner, Secretary, First Vice Presiding Elder,
B. Bryan Musselman, assistant Secretary, Second Vice Presiding Elder,
A.G. Woodring, Recording Secretary,
N.H. Wolf, Recording Secretary,
Allen M. Gehman, Treasurer,
F.M. Hottel,
E.N. Cassel,
J.C. Roth,
R.W. Dickert,
H.K. Kratz,
C.F. Yost,
R.L. Woodring,
J.F. Barrall,
J.G. Shireman,
W.F. Heffner,
E.E. Kublic,
V.H. Reinhart,
J.B. Layne,
R. Bergstresser,
O.S. Hillegass,
F.B. Hertzog,
P.T. Stengele,
H.H. Bergey,
H.L. Moyer,
G.O. Billig,
H.T. Benner,
C.D. Bean,
R.R. Fox,
H.L. Shelly,
Charles F. Lilly,
Chas. E. Eroh,
J.H. Bruch,
Paul H. Miller,
C.B. Brosius,
H.V. Smith,
Earl King,
D.S. Schoffstall,
G.K. Himmelreich,
Charles W. Decker,
O.B. Bartholomew,
John T. Kramer.